Glanmor Griffiths, chairman of the Welsh Rugby Union general committee, has tonight warned they will not be held to ransom as the bitter row over the future of the domestic game continues.

The WRU have agreed to reduce the Premier Division to six professional clubs "as soon as legally practicable" which effectively jettisons Neath, Ebbw Vale and Caerphilly from the set-up.

The move is an attempt to strengthen the Welsh domestic game and create a Celtic Super 12 competition.

And Griffiths has reminded those players and clubs who have voiced opposition to the so-called 'Gang of Six' that the WRU retained complete authority over the game.

He also insisted that Wales' Lloyds TSB Six Nations clash with England next Saturday will go ahead, warning those players considering strike action they will "have to face the consequences of their actions".

The Wales squad are due to meet up tomorrow to begin preparations for the Twickenham clash but there remains a very real possibility they will not train on Monday.

But Griffiths said: "In relation to the international players, I understand they will be meeting with representatives of their clubs on Sunday morning.

"I have asked those delegates of Rugby Partnership Wales with whom we met on Saturday to convey to the owners and the players the sincere wish and hope of the rugby public of Wales that they represent their country at Twickenham on Saturday.

"In terms of assurances, I can tell them that the WRU is prepared to accept change and work with them to develop a stronger and more viable professional game in Wales. That is what we all want.

"But whatever they decide to do, Wales will fulfil her fixture in the Six Nations Championship against England on Saturday. The games at A team and Under-21 levels will also be honoured.

"If our captain Scott Quinnell and his players choose not to make themselves available for selection, then they will have to face the consequences of their actions.

"I'm sure I speak for all our member clubs, affiliated organisations and all Welsh rugby supporters when I say I hope it doesn't come to that."

Ebbw Vale yesterday refused Newport chairman Tony Brown entry to the Gwent derby while Caerphilly today showed the disapproval to the plans by refusing to attend the traditional post-match hospitality after their defeat at Llanelli.

But Griffiths warned those who have protested the decision to streamline the league not to challenge the WRU's authority.

"What is not up for discussion or review is who governs the game," he said.

"The WRU, on behalf of its member clubs and the fans, will continue to be responsible for the international game.

"While we are happy for the Joint Venture Company, proposed by the players and the clubs to run the professional game in conjunction with the WRU, to move the club game forward at the highest level, they have to understand that rights to international rugby belong to the game as a whole and cannot be hijacked.

"The future development of the game is vested in the WRU, not in a small group of clubs. While we value and recognise the contributions made by the benefactors of many of the Premier Division clubs, it has to be said that the rights to more than 120 years of Welsh rugby are not for sale at any price.

"While the 'owners' have exercised their rights to invest in clubs, the WRU has also played a big part in financing many of Premier Division clubs in troubled times."